Types of Joint Replacement
The latest techniques in joint replacement
Inova hip and knee replacement surgeons utilize the most current surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures and the popular MAKOplasty® partial knee resurfacing. Our doctors also use the latest high-tech materials to improve the lifespan of the implant and maximize movement.
Our surgeons are experts in total and partial knee and hip replacements and other reconstructive procedures. They have decades of experience and perform hundreds of joint replacements every year.
Inova's orthopedic surgeons are experts at hip replacement surgery. We offer anterior hip replacement, performed from the front of the hip rather than the back to preserve muscle and improve recovery. We also perform minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, which reduces the amount of trauma to the hip's surround tissues, nerves and ligaments.
Our surgeons have a range of techniques available to knee replacement surgery patients, including "gender knee", minimally invasive with MRI, partial knee replacement and MAKOplasty® knee resurfacing. Learn more about our knee replacement options 
Inova’s team of experienced orthopedic surgeons performs the most shoulder replacements in Northern Virginia using advanced techniques. Our surgeons must meet strict participation criteria based on volume and quality indicators.
Inova Fairfax and Inova Mount Vernon Hospitals provide comprehensive ankle replacement surgery, offering state-of-the-art surgical options and renewed hope for your patients who suffer from chronic ankle pain due to arthritis or fracture.
Our ankle replacement program uses cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical methods, including the latest minimally invasive surgery techniques that allow for quicker recovery.
What causes a joint to need replacement?
A hip or knee may need to be replaced for a number of medical reasons:
- Arthritis in its different forms (arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis) can break down the integrity of the joint, causing pain, stiffness and inflammation
- Bone disease such as osteonecrosis can result in loss of blood supply to the bone
- Trauma caused by a fracture or dislocations
- Failed or infected replacements from prior procedures, which may require revision surgery
Learn more
About osteoarthritis
Do you have questions about osteoarthritis and how it is diagnosed and treated? Read more about this common joint disease 
Illustrated articles from our Health Library
Related reading
The Connection of Strong Social Support with Joint Replacement Outcomes (PDF)